Children with parents, grandparents and friends watched intently as they enjoyed a high tea, meeting characters from "The Nutcracker," and seeing classical ballet favorites -- all part of Lone Star College-University Park's first "Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy" Dec. 6.

The delightful afternoon featured excerpts read from E.T.A. Hoffman's fairy tale, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" followed by the corresponding dances the story inspired. Nearly 150 attended.

LSC-University Park Professor Lisa Hill and others from the College’s newly minted fine arts programs helped staff the magical afternoon to a sold-out crowd.

One guest emailed after the event, "My sincere thanks for organizing and hosting the wonderful Holiday celebration for families and children. The ballerina characters, the performance, the availability of storybooks to “read along”… and the “high tea” was lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed the event, and I hope to bring my grandchildren again next year."

Dancers from the Houston Dance Theatre delighted old and young alike with their performances.

Before the performance, guests enjoyed a hot chocolate bar, tea sandwiches, holiday cookies, sweets and other delights, served at festive tables fitting for high tea with princes and princesses.

"Any opportunity to provide the fine arts to the North Houston area and add a little holiday magic makes it all worthwhile," said Christina Robinson, LSC-University Park's Chief Strategist for Innovation. "We plan to make this an annual tradition for all."